Join us for an evening of powerful short documentaries from the New York Times Op-Docs, followed by a conversation between Times Houston bureau chief Manny Fernandez and filmmaker Isabel Castro (Darlin). In these films — produced by Concordia Studio for Op-Docs, The New York Times Opinion section’s series of award-winning short documentaries — see the heartbreak of those detained by ICE and the hope that is found on a dance floor, as well as the optimism in a contest for girls in “the toughest town in Texas.” The program is approximately two hours.

Join us for an evening of powerful short documentaries from the New York Times Op-Docs, followed by a conversation between Times Houston bureau chief Manny Fernandez and filmmaker Isabel Castro (Darlin). In these films — produced by Concordia Studio for Op-Docs, The New York Times Opinion section’s series of award-winning short documentaries — see the heartbreak of those detained by ICE and the hope that is found on a dance floor, as well as the optimism in a contest for girls in “the toughest town in Texas.” The program is approximately two hours.

The program will include El Vacío (directed by Deborah S. Esquenazi), To Be Queen (directed by Jeff Reichert and Farihah Zaman), La Boca del Lobo (directed by Jesse Moss), Darlin (directed by Isabel Castro) and Walk Run Cha-Cha (directed by Laura Nix).

El Vacío, (directed by Deborah S. Esquenazi, 13 min.) In a confessional built from home video and animation, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio explores the mental prisons and personal trauma created by immigration policy.

To Be Queen, (directed by Jeff Reichert and Farihah Zaman, 15 min.) In Luling, the “toughest town in Texas,” two Latina high school girls compete to be the next Watermelon Thump Queen.

Darlin, (directed by Isabel Castro, 15 min.), follows a Honduran family in the months after their separation under the zero-tolerance policy.

Walk Run Cha-Cha, (directed by Laura Nix, 20 min.) Paul and Millie Cao lost their youth to the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Forty years later, they have become successful professionals in Southern California — and are rediscovering themselves on the dance floor.

CULTURAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Houston's Cultural Events Calendar is a service of the City of Houston to all residents and visitors. Explore the many offerings that represent Houston's creative identity as a unique arts and culture destination. This calendar is managed by Houston Arts Alliance.